'Reflection Nebulas in Orion' (APOD 10 Oct 2006 )

[DavidLeodis]

In the explanation to the APOD it states that NGC 2071 is at the upper left of the image. However, whilst looking up more information about NGC 2071 and M78 in several sources, it seems that NGC 2071 might be the pale blue area in the lower left of the image, though I am unsure.

I would be grateful if somebody could please verify for me which is NGC 2071 in the APOD image.

Thanks. Dave.

[BMAONE23]

This link shows NGC 2071 in the large window and M78 in the upper left corner. http://www.heavenlyview.com/ngc2071.htm
And here is another good MESSIER image site. http://www.3towers.com/messier.htm

[DavidLeodis]

Thanks BMAONE23 for your very helpful reply.

The M78 image in the Messier Objects link does indicate that M78 in the APOD image is the pale blue nebulous area, whilst NGC 2071 is that in the upper left as stated in the APOD explanation. I had thought that M78 was the darker nebulous area near the centre of the APOD image and not the pale blue area. From the Messier Objects M78 image the dark nebulous area near the centre of the APOD must therefore be NGC 2067 and/or NGC 2064. Explanations to APODs are sometimes confusing and annotated versions would help.

Cheers. Dave.

[BMAONE23]

I would agree with you on the annotation suggestion. Here is a good possible example. http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap060720.html It helps lay people like us to visualize what is being refered to in the text. Especially if there is more than one thing happening.

[DavidLeodis]

Hi BMAONE23

That's a good example of how an annotated version helps, with the main non-annotated image having a seperately available annotated image. I do not know how much more difficulty is involved in producing annotated versions as an accompaniment to some APOD images, but the results can be a great help.

Cheers

Dave